Iowa to Alabama Car Shipping (2025 Cost Guide)

Quick answer: The cost to ship a car 911 miles from Iowa to Alabama typically falls between $813 and $1,338. The process usually takes two–seven days, depending on variables like the type of transport and seasonal demand. For a personalized estimate, visit our car shipping cost calculator.

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  • Refundable deposit
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Price lock promise
  • Free car wash
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  • Door-to-door service
  • No upfront payment

Shipping a car the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Alabama to Iowa car shipping guide.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

The best Iowa to Alabama car shipping companies

After spending over 400 hours analyzing the key players in the car shipping industry, we determined that these are the best car shipping companies for moving your car from Iowa to Alabama:

Best for Real-Time Tracking
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking
  • Instant online quotes
  • Economy option
  • Ships nationwide
  • Easy online scheduling
read our full review
Get a quote (224) 310-1412
Best for accurate pricing
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
At A Glance
  • Price Lock Promise
  • Pay by credit card
  • Free car wash at delivery
  • No upfront deposit
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote (833) 775-1461
Best for safety & reliability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get a quote 224-206-5633
At A Glance
  • Competitive pricing & $0 upfront
  • GPS tracking
  • Multiple insurance options
  • Guaranteed pickup dates available
  • Door-to-door service
read our full review
Get a quote 224-206-5633
Best for overall value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Get a quote (864) 492-1221
At A Glance
  • No hidden fees
  • Free online quotes
  • Door-to-door service in 48 states
  • Exact pickup dates
  • Ships to & from HI
read our full review
Get a quote (864) 492-1221

Top local car shippers in Iowa

If you prefer to go with a local company, here are the top car shippers in Iowa that can relocate your vehicle to Alabama:

  1. A A All States Auto Transport: 3.58 out of 5 stars
  2. Bennett Motor Express: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  3. Aaall States Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  4. Nimble Inc: 3.5 out of 5 stars

A A All States Auto Transport

214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA 51102 US

starstarstarstarstar3.58 / 5.0
Get a Quote (712) 823-0443

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Classic cars
  • Motorcycles
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

Bennett Motor Express

906 W Crystal Lake Rd, Forest City, IA 50436 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0
Get a Quote (800) 866-5500

Services Offered

  • Door-to-door service
  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • International shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Shipment tracking
  • Expedited delivery
  • Multi-car transport
  • Detailed inspection reports
  • RVs
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles
  • Heavy equipment

Additional Information

Aaall States Transport

214 JACKSON ST, SUITE 1468 SIOUX CITY, IA 51102 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

While some customers report frustrating experiences with delivery delays and a refusal to wear masks by drivers, others are satisfied with undamaged deliveries and commend the customer service provided by the office staff and drivers.

Get a Quote (712) 823-0443

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Enclosed transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Classic cars
  • Trailers
  • Motorcycles

Additional Information

Nimble Inc

910 23rd Ave # 200, Coralville, IA 52241 US

starstarstarstarstar3.5 / 5.0

Nimble, Inc. is faced with serious concern regarding business practices, particularly around unpaid freight charges and customer service experiences. While there are some positive comments about their staff, numerous reviews highlight major issues related to financial responsibility and operational difficulties during service deliveries.

Get a Quote (866) 700-0770

Services Offered

  • Open transport
  • Interstate shipping
  • Insured shipping
  • Classic cars
  • Heavy equipment
  • Electric vehicles

Additional Information

How we chose the best car shipping companiestoggle

We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.

Here’s what we considered:

  • Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
  • Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
  • Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
  • Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
  • Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.

Alternative ways to ship your car from Iowa to Alabama

Ship it with your movers

If you’re relocating from Iowa to Alabama, consider choosing a moving company that also offers car shipping. Many long-distance movers partner with trusted auto transport providers to coordinate the process.

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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts

Drive it yourself

Driving is simple but not always practical, and it adds about 911 miles to your car on the trip from Iowa to Alabama. If you’re weighing the options, check out the pros and cons of driving versus shipping.

Hire a driver

Hiring a driver to take your car from Iowa to Alabama is an alternative you might want to consider. However, it typically comes with a high price tag, and you’ll need to rely on the driver to care for your car.

Ship by train

If this is an option for you, it’s an affordable and secure way of shipping your vehicle. Shipping a car by train is actually the cheapest way to ship your car!

Iowa to Alabama auto transport costs and transit times

The tables below detail the costs and estimated transit times for shipping a car between popular cities in Iowa and Alabama. The average travel distance is about 911 miles, with shipping times typically ranging from two to seven days.

Cost to ship a car from Des Moines, IA to Alabamatoggle

From Iowa to Alabama Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Des Moines, IA to Huntsville, AL $827 – $1,185 770 miles 2 – 7 days
Des Moines, IA to Montgomery, AL $813 – $1,351 935 miles 2 – 7 days
Des Moines, IA to Birmingham, AL $789 – $1,229 833 miles 2 – 7 days
Des Moines, IA to Mobile, AL $860 – $1,243 978 miles 2 – 7 days
Des Moines, IA to Tuscaloosa, AL $855 – $1,254 827 miles 2 – 7 days

Cost to ship a car from Cedar Rapids, IA to Alabamatoggle

From Iowa to Alabama Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Cedar Rapids, IA to Huntsville, AL $815 – $1,129 704 miles 1 – 6 days
Cedar Rapids, IA to Montgomery, AL $817 – $1,208 869 miles 2 – 7 days
Cedar Rapids, IA to Birmingham, AL $851 – $1,205 780 miles 2 – 7 days
Cedar Rapids, IA to Mobile, AL $788 – $1,300 913 miles 2 – 7 days
Cedar Rapids, IA to Tuscaloosa, AL $787 – $1,114 762 miles 2 – 7 days

Cost to ship a car from Davenport, IA to Alabamatoggle

From Iowa to Alabama Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Davenport, IA to Huntsville, AL $729 – $1,113 656 miles 1 – 6 days
Davenport, IA to Montgomery, AL $784 – $1,200 821 miles 2 – 7 days
Davenport, IA to Birmingham, AL $802 – $1,186 732 miles 1 – 6 days
Davenport, IA to Mobile, AL $788 – $1,236 908 miles 2 – 7 days
Davenport, IA to Tuscaloosa, AL $762 – $1,161 757 miles 2 – 7 days

Cost to ship a car from Sioux City, IA to Alabamatoggle

From Iowa to Alabama Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Sioux City, IA to Huntsville, AL $838 – $1,248 946 miles 2 – 7 days
Sioux City, IA to Montgomery, AL $864 – $1,278 1,052 miles 2 – 8 days
Sioux City, IA to Birmingham, AL $812 – $1,246 963 miles 2 – 7 days
Sioux City, IA to Mobile, AL $923 – $1,375 1,121 miles 2 – 8 days
Sioux City, IA to Tuscaloosa, AL $846 – $1,246 957 miles 2 – 7 days

Cost to ship a car from Iowa City, IA to Alabamatoggle

From Iowa to Alabama Cost Distance Estimated transit time
Iowa City, IA to Huntsville, AL $734 – $1,095 680 miles 1 – 6 days
Iowa City, IA to Montgomery, AL $814 – $1,242 845 miles 2 – 7 days
Iowa City, IA to Birmingham, AL $787 – $1,197 756 miles 2 – 7 days
Iowa City, IA to Mobile, AL $812 – $1,273 889 miles 2 – 7 days
Iowa City, IA to Tuscaloosa, AL $786 – $1,209 738 miles 1 – 6 days

Shipping an SUV or truck from Iowa to Alabamatoggle

Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans are heavier and bulkier, making them more expensive to transport than sedans.

If you’re moving one from Iowa to Alabama, expect costs to range from $1,016 to $1,673.

Factors that affect car shipping costs from Iowa to Alabama

When moving your vehicle from the Hawkeye State to the Heart of Dixie, several factors can affect the total shipping cost:

  • Type of transport: Open carriers are the most economical, while enclosed transport offers greater protection for valuable or classic cars. Another option you might want to consider is top-loading. For a detailed comparison, see our guide on open vs. enclosed shipping.
  • Vehicle size and type: Shipping rates rise with vehicle size and weight. Generally, larger cars cost more to ship to Alabama than smaller ones.
  • Distance and route: The journey from Iowa to Alabama spans about 911 miles. More miles mean more fuel and labor, raising the cost.
  • Time of the year: Seasonal demand impacts the price of getting your car out of Iowa, with summer and winter holidays often seeing a spike due to increased moving and travel activity.
  • Fuel prices: Rising or falling gas prices directly influence car shipping costs between Iowa and Alabama.
  • Delivery expectations: Because it’ll make their job easier, your auto shipper may give you a pricing discount if you’re flexible on delivery dates. That being said, getting your car from Iowa to Alabama should take between two and seven days. Expedited services are available but come at a higher cost.

Alabama vehicle regulations you need to know

Once you arrive in Alabama, registering your vehicle and ensuring it’s road-legal will require a few specific actions. The list below outlines the most important requirements.

  • Car insurance requirements: Alabama state government requires motorists possess liability insurance, which must provide a minimum coverage of 25/50/25. This specification includes coverage for bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident, and property damage per accident.
  • Vehicle inspection: In Alabama, a safety inspection must be completed prior to selling a vehicle and a VIN inspection is mandatory when registering an out-of-state vehicle. Emissions inspections are not required by the state, though cities and municipalities may have their own laws mandating them.
  • Driver’s license: When you move to Alabama with an out-of-state driver's license, you have 30 days to surrender it and obtain an Alabama license.
  • Additional taxes: In Alabama, a 2% state sales tax is levied on the purchase of vehicles, including off-road motorcycles and ATVs. With the addition of city and county vehicle sales taxes, the total sales tax owed will amount to between 3.375% and 4% of the vehicle's cost.

Learn more with our car shipping checklist.

Transporting your vehicle from Iowa

More than 3.2 million people call Iowa home. Nicknamed the Hawkeye State. Iowa has a humid continental climate throughout the state. Snowfall is common in Iowa. Spring brings in severe weather season. Iowa has about 50 thunderstorm days per year and has a tornado season. Iowa is known for hot and humid summers. Be sure to check the weather before your move, especially during the springtime.

Transporting your vehicle to Alabama

About 5.1 million people are living in the Heart of Dixie. Alabama has one of the hottest summers in the US and mild winters with copious amounts of precipitation throughout the year. Areas around the Gulf in Alabama are prone to tropical storms and hurricanes. Alabama also has tornado activity, which typically occurs in the spring It would be a good idea to check for tornado activity in the area you are looking to move to Alabama.

FAQ

Does someone have to be present when you ship a car for pickup in Iowa and delivery in Alabama?toggle

Most companies will require that an adult of at least 18 years of age be present when picking up your car in Iowa and when dropping it off in Alabama.

Do you need car insurance when shipping your car from Iowa to Alabama?toggle

If you’re not driving the vehicle from Iowa to Alabama, you aren't required to have typical car insurance. Your car hauler should have adequate insurance if an accident happened on the drive to Alabama, which you should verify before loading your car in Iowa.

If you’re driving your car at all in either state, you should understand the requirements. Iowa requires minimum liability insurance, covering $20,000 for individual injury or death, $40,000 for multiple individuals, and $15,000 for property damage in an accident.

Alabama state government requires motorists possess liability insurance, which must provide a minimum coverage of 25/50/25. This specification includes coverage for bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident, and property damage per accident.

How long does it take to ship a car from Iowa to Alabama?toggle

Car shipping companies can travel about 500 miles per day. The trip from Iowa to Alabama is about 911 miles, and that’s as fast as about 2 days. However, most car transport companies will take two to seven days to travel from Iowa to Alabama.

Will I be required to have a vehicle inspection in either state?toggle

In Iowa, car owners are not obligated to undergo emissions, VIN, or safety inspections.

In Alabama, a safety inspection must be completed prior to selling a vehicle and a VIN inspection is mandatory when registering an out-of-state vehicle. Emissions inspections are not required by the state, though cities and municipalities may have their own laws mandating them.

If I have a driver’s license in Iowa, will I need one in Alabama?toggle

When you move to Alabama with an out-of-state driver's license, you have 30 days to surrender it and obtain an Alabama license.

If I bought a car in Iowa, will I be required to pay sales tax in Alabama after shipping it there?toggle

It’s important to understand any tax implications if you’re having a car shipped from Iowa to Alabama after purchasing it.

In Alabama, a 2% state sales tax is levied on the purchase of vehicles, including off-road motorcycles and ATVs. With the addition of city and county vehicle sales taxes, the total sales tax owed will amount to between 3.375% and 4% of the vehicle's cost.

We recommend that you always check for updated tax information in both Iowa and Alabama to avoid any hidden costs.

What is the cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Alabama?toggle

The cheapest way to ship a car from Iowa to Alabama is to ship it on a train or choose an open trailer transport method, avoid expedited shipping, and be flexible with your pickup dates.

How much does it cost to ship a car from Iowa to Alabama?toggle

Shipping a car from Iowa to Alabama costs $813 to $1,338.

Helpful Iowa resources